Judicial Candidate Michelle Paradise Heads Back To Work At RivCo DA's Office

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — One of two candidates for Riverside County's only elective judicial seat in 2026 will be heading back to work for the District Attorney's Office, after she formally retires this week from a county Executive Office position, under a special authorization that required the approval of the Board of Supervisors.

In a 5-0 vote without comment Tuesday, the board passed a resolution exempting Michelle Paradise from a state rule that would have required her to wait at least 180 days before returning to the county payroll on a regular work schedule while she's an annuitant drawing salary via the California Public Employees Retirement System.

After receiving 44% of votes cast in the June 2 primary election, Paradise is slated to square off with San Bernardino County Deputy Public Defender Andrea Garcia in the Nov. 3 general election for Judicial Seat No. 10.

"The District Attorney's Office has determined that no other available (job) candidate possesses the same combination of executive level public safety experience, institutional knowledge, prosecutorial leadership background and familiarity with county operations," according to documents attached to the exemption resolution. "Michelle Paradise's temporary appointment will provide immediate continuity on ongoing initiatives, preserve institutional knowledge, minimize disruption to critical projects and support the effective administration of the office while longer-term staffing solutions are evaluated and implemented."

Paradise will start work as an assistant district attorney Monday. She officially retires as assistant county executive officer for public safety on Thursday, following about three years in that capacity. Her hourly pay at the D.A.'s office will be $154.35, netting an estimated annual salary of $149,411, according to the resolution.

Documents noted District Attorney Mike Hestrin's concerns, expressed during budget hearings, about ongoing attrition leading to the loss of seasoned staff, and Paradise's addition to the leadership team now would be beneficial.

Hestrin previously endorsed Paradise in the judicial election.

Prior to her filling the county Executive Office slot, she had served as an assistant DA for seven years, after a stint as a chief deputy DA and almost 20 years as a line prosecutor handling a wide variety of cases.

Documents described her as being "uniquely qualified" to assume the vacant position on Hestrin's staff, hence justifying the exemption resolution, which specifies that Paradise will be capped at 960 hours to comply with California Government Code section 21224. That same provision is what required the board vote for exemption to avoid conflicts with the 180-day wait period.

Paradise's monthly CalPERS annuity was not disclosed in documents.

Her objective of winning the judicial seat has not diminished since the three-way contest pitting her against Garcia and defense attorney Jennifer Loflin, who came in third during the primary, narrowing the field.

"I've seen the justice system from every angle," Paradise said before the June 2 election. "I still have a lot to give, and serving on the bench feels like the most meaningful way I can continue to give back. My decision to run for judge comes after a lifetime of public service and a deep belief in the justice system."

In election literature, Garcia noted her travels abroad and exposure to international human rights issues have been influences in shaping her outlook on life. She emphasized her goal of enhancing "the public trust in the judicial system," citing close to "20 years of experience ... defending vulnerable individuals and promoting equal justice" as key attributes.

"(I) will work tirelessly to deliver impactful messages that resonate with our community and foster positive change," the attorney said.